;
Call Now To Get Your Life Back
207-571-8146
Menu
Search
We Fight To Have Your Charges Dismissed

Maine Rape Defense Attorneys

check

AVOID A
CRIMINAL RECORD

check

OUR RATES INCLUDE
TRIAL FEES*

check

OVER 115+
GOOGLE REVIEWS

check

OVER 165+
AVVO REVIEWS

Rape Defense Lawyers in Maine

Rape Defense Lawyers in Maine

Rape is one of the most common forms of sexual assault and can be carried out under a variety of different circumstances.

Rape is any act of forcibly engaging in sexual intercourse with someone who is unwilling, verbally objecting, unconscious, or otherwise unable to object.

It is one of the most widely unreported types of crime, as many people are too embarrassed or ashamed to talk about the incident.

In 1999, the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated that 99% of rapists were male, and that 91% of rape victims were female-meaning that the other 9% were men. Now, however, it is assumed that a larger percentage of victims are male, but that these sex crimes are being grossly under-reported.

Rape can occur between any two genders of people in any combination. The relationship between the two is also not a factor as rape can occur between strangers, relatives and even spouses. The most important factor for a sexual activity to be considered rape is the lack of consent between individuals.

A person does not have to say ‘no’ in order to show lack of consent. In some cases, fear may have prevented them from speaking out or the effects of drugs or alcohol may have led to unconsciousness. Rape charges must also include some form of penetration.

What happens if you are convicted of rape in Maine?

There are several types of rape that can be prosecuted under the law, as rape does not strictly take place between a male aggressor and a female victim.

Depending on the circumstances, the penalties will be different and there is no way to know for sure what your sentence will be if you are convicted. Often rape offenses result in jail time, probation, steep fees and more.

You will also have to be registered as a sex offender. Any of these consequences can severely impact your life and career. Various types of rape offenses include:

  • Date rape: This type of rape often occurs between casual/social acquaintances, sometimes making it difficult to prove. It also commonly involves the use of a “date rape” drug, which would debilitate the victim and make it easier for the attacker to carry out the rape
  • Gang rape: This type of rape includes at least two or more attackers committing a sexual assault against/forcing sexual intercourse upon one victim
  • Prison rape: This type of rape occurs between prison inmates, meaning that they are usually same-sex crimes, and are thought to affect between 3%-12% of all inmates
  • Incestual rape: This type of rape occurs between close relatives, including blood relatives, step-relatives, adoptive relatives, and/or members of the same household
  • Statutory rape: This type of offense occurs between a person who has not yet reached the age of consent and an adult, regardless of consent
  • Marital rape: This type of rape occurs between a married couple, regardless of the fact that they have previously engaged in consensual sex

Gross Sexual Assault in Maine

When a person is accused of using some sort of force or placing the victim under duress in order to get them to comply with sexual activity, it is considered gross sexual abuse. Situations that would lead to this charge include:

  • Drugging the victim with drugs or alcohol
  • Threatening the victim into compliance
  • The victim is mentally disabled and not capable of giving consent
  • The victim is unconscious
  • The victim is a ward of the offender such as a prisoner, patient, etc
  • The victim is under the age of 18 and a student or charge of the offender

Depending on the circumstances, these offenses are Class B or Class C crimes and can result in 5 to 10 years in jail and $5,000 to $10,000 in fines and fees.

Penalties for Rape of a Minor in Maine

Rape charges are very serious, but rape of a minor charges are the most severe.

Forcibly engaging in an unwanted sexual act involving penetration is rape, and can be considered gross sexual assault.

Under Maine Code §253, gross sexual assault is defined as “to have sexual intercourse with a person under age 14 is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. If the age gap is far enough apart, even consensual sex with a minor is considered a form of rape.

Statutory rape laws declare that a minor under the age of 14 cannot give consent to sexual activity.

Under Maine Code §255, unlawful sexual contact is defined as “any person 3+ years older than a victim who engages in sexual contact with any person under 14 years old” can be charged with a class C crime, or a class B crime if it involved penetration.

The penalties of these crimes are then decided accordingly, as a class C felony is punishable by up to 5 years in jail and a $15,000 fine, and a class B felony is punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a $20,000 fine.

The experienced attorneys at The Maine Criminal Defense Group know how to fight for your rights. Call us directly at (207) 571-8146 or contact us directly online.

Blog Posts

Maine Man Arrested & Pleads Guilty on Child Exploitation Charges
Sex Crimes Sexual Assault

Maine Man Arrested & Pleads Guilty on Child Exploitation Charges

In a recent child exploitation case from Boston, a Maine man was found guilty by the federal court and sentenced...
Read More
Dealing with a Charge of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Maine
Sex Crimes Sexual Assault

Dealing with a Charge of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Maine

Sexual assault crimes are among the most serious offenses a person can commit. Sexual assault crimes involving minors are even...
Read More
{"slide_show":"2","slide_scroll":1,"dots":"false","arrows":"true","autoplay":"false","autoplay_interval":3000,"speed":600,"loop":"true","design":"design-2"}

Ready to get your life back? Call now!

Ready to Get Started? Contact Our Firm Today!

If you are facing criminal charges in Maine, the attorneys at The Maine Criminal Defense Group are here to help. Call our office to speak with
one of our team members, who will discuss your case with you and set up a consultation with one of our attorneys

Call Now Button